We’re on the cusp of the NFL Draft, signaling the point of no return. With this being my ultimate mock draft, I trust you’ve relished our coverage thus far.
Instead of randomly selecting who the Steelers might pick, I meticulously analyzed every team’s choices. Over three rounds, I considered team needs and scrutinized top-30 visits to craft a comprehensive view of potential outcomes. Let me walk you through my reasoning.
I must note that I’ve omitted trades beyond the first round. Any trade scenario involving Pittsburgh would disrupt all mock drafts – and it’s more probable than not. Plus, it would give me a splitting headache.
So, here goes… for the final time.
Round 1, No. 20: Graham Barton, OL, Duke.
When I crafted Barton’s draft evaluation back in mid-March, my headline read: “Barton may be the most underrated prospect for Pittsburgh at pick 20.” But things have shifted. Now, in my view, he’s the frontrunner to be the Steelers’ selection at No. 20 — and for good reason. The Steelers are currently lacking a center, a significant issue given their urgent need for players who can step in immediately to support their “win-now mentality.” Barton has eclipsed Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson on many draft boards, and it’s evident why. He boasts athleticism and extensive experience in a zone-heavy offensive scheme. Barton’s versatility is his trump card over contenders like Georgia’s Amarius Mims. He’s capable of performing well as a guard and, in my estimation, could hold his own as a slightly below-average tackle in the NFL. That’s why I categorized him as an offensive lineman rather than just a center.
Now, let’s review some of the preceding picks:
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Round 2, No. 51: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State.
Last year, Omar Khan’s primary focus was strengthening his team’s performance in the crucial battles on the field. In the 2023 NFL Draft, he emphasized bolstering the line of scrimmage by selecting three key players in his initial four picks: offensive tackle Broderick Jones, defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, and tight end Darnell Washington. However, Khan’s efforts to fortify the team’s foundation won’t end there.
Pittsburgh strategically brought in six prospective defensive linemen for top-30 visits, including the highly adaptable Seminole defensive tackle, Braden Fiske. Fiske, a seasoned sixth-year redshirt senior, is poised to contribute immediately. Notably, he possesses exceptional play speed for a defensive tackle and exhibits versatility in his ability to line up at various positions along the defensive line. His remarkable capacity to navigate through congested areas to reach the ball is remarkable, complemented by his relentless drive and impressive upper body strength, rendering him an immensely appealing prospect.
Braden Fiske is a freak pic.twitter.com/5OhKL6RFyD
— JC Cornell (@CornellNFL) April 18, 2024
Additionally, the Steelers prioritize value over immediate positional requirements. Although wide receivers were commonly projected to Pittsburgh in mock drafts, the team opted for South Carolina’s Xavier Legette and Michigan’s Roman Wilson.
This overview provides insight into the team’s strategic approach to player selection and highlights the final composition of the draft board.
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Round 3, No. 84: DeVontez Walker, WR, UNC
While I’m not particularly bullish on Walker, there are indications that this scenario could unfold. The Senior Bowl drew significant attention, with reports suggesting Walker struggled to catch the football, a stark departure from his reputation prior to the event where he was widely projected to be a second-round pick. Consequently, his draft stock has shifted to a more uncertain range.
It’s worth noting that Walker exhibited strong hands throughout his time at North Carolina, with just three drops recorded over the entire season. Thus, it might be premature to rush to conclusions based solely on his Senior Bowl performance.
Walker possesses exceptional physical attributes and excels as a deep-threat receiver, known for his ability to stretch the field with long strides. Notably, Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith attended North Carolina’s pro day alongside other prominent programs, indicating potential interest beyond just scouting quarterback Drake Maye. Considering Russell Wilson’s proficiency with the deep ball, a skill that aligns with Walker’s strengths, there’s reason to believe the Steelers might find him appealing.
Devontez Walker wins this one-on-one battle against Nate Wiggins, displaying the vertical speed needed to gain separation. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/LQdyMQQBF2
— WBG84 (@WBG84) April 17, 2024
Furthermore, there’s evidence from Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins’s matchups against Walker that suggests he’s capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses and making significant plays downfield.
However, it’s wise to remain cautious in predictions. This pick could also potentially involve a trade-up for receivers like Malachi Corley from Western Kentucky or Ricky Pearsall from Florida, both of whom might be available in the third round.
